Jeff Mach

Have you ever read a fantasy story, the heroes called on a quest to defeat the evil Dark Lord, pulled by destiny into events that seem to be greater than they are, and just wondered what the OTHER side was thinking and doing? In There and Never, Ever Back Again: Diary of a Dark Lord, Jeff Mach not only imagines this scenario, but gives us an inside look into the depths of the Dark Lord. Part diary, part self-help guide for the aspiring Dark Lord, this book looks hard at one of fantasy’s most enduring tropes (the hero destined to fight (and defeat) the great evil) and asks why this is the case.

The Diary is not only filled with useful advice, but I enjoyed how Mach fit in thoughts and questions that are not only appropriate for an aspiring Chosen One, or Dark Lord, to ask, but have some application even in our own world. For example, on the subject of history, “Those who are most likely to appoint themselves as gatekeepers of knowledge tend to say that histories are full of lies, which I’d say is correct, as long as you define a lie as ‘information they can’t control’.” And on the subject of why humans believe what they do, even contrary to the evidence before them, “Humans are happy to ignore what they can observe, in favor of a story which fits comfortably in their heads.” Or on listening to those who disagree with you, “But the ability to listen to those who disagree, even if you’re going to fight them with everything you have, is a strength; the inability to do so is a fatal weakness.”

Mach does a great job of breaking down a fantasy trope and shaking up your perspective on what it’s like to be the bad guy. I recommend this book for anybody who is willing to listen to the other side and wants to get a fresh perspective on the nature of good and evil. And while some of us may not have aspirations of ruling over the land and the denizens of the dark places and shadows, there are still many useful bits that may be applicable even in your humdrum life.… (más)